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It was a frigid day December 5, 2025 to unveil the Susquehanna Bell in conjunction with America250PA Bells Across PA but it didn't stop people from coming to the event. Cassandra Coleman the Executive Director of America250PA hosted the event. Ms. Coleman thanked Coterra Energy and Pennsylvania American Water Company for their contribution. Bells Across PA is a statewide project by America250PA to place custom-designed bells in all 67 counties by 2026 in preparation of our country's 250th anniversary. Each bell tells a story of its county's history, people and pride. Ms. Coleman recognized the many dignitaries who were in attendance; Senator Dave McCormick, Senator Lisa Baker, Alexandra Allen for House Representative Jonathan Fritz, Mike Marabell for Congressman Dan Meuser, Susquehanna County Commissioners Dave Darrow and Robert McNamara and Dave Palmer the liaison to the bells.

Senator Lisa Baker, a lifelong resident of Pennsylvania spoke on her recent induction in the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). She spoke about past patriots and how livelong generations coming together were able to build this country into what we have today.

Bonnie Yuscavage, Curator of Susquehanna County Historical Society stated the bell resembles the Liberty Bell in Pennsylvania and it couldn't be more fitting that this bell rests in Montrose. The bell is titled Red, White and Blueberry and the artist will explain how she came up with the design. Montrose has its roots in liberty with the first white settlers arriving in the late 1880's who were deeply affected by the struggle for liberty. The settlers placed their reputations and their future and lives were at stake for the quest of liberty. Men left their home during the Revolutionary War not knowing what trials awaited them, women wondering how they would keep their homes intact and children wondering when their daddy would come home. The children and the grandchildren of those first settlers met fifty years later in a Presbyterian church a few blocks from the Historical Society for the Anti-Slavery Society to begin. They believed liberty was out of reach for all who lived in this country. In time Susquehanna County stood for the liberty of all people and nameless residents helped escape enslaved people to New York and Canada through the underground railroad. Mrs. Yuscavage stated there is a strong sense of community in Susquehanna County with neighbors helping neighbors since the first settlers came. The greatest asset is dedication to preserving liberty and may this bell be a reminder to us of the commitment of the residents of this county past and present of this priceless and fundamental value.

Kelly Finan, the artist of the painting of the fiberglass bell stated this is an invitation to see Susquehanna through her eyes as an artist with a background of plant biology and a fashion for native plants. Ms. Finan relayed how the American plants grew and supported the people and wildlife of this region long before European colonization. She said even today they not only feed us they provide food and shelter for the pollinating animals and other plants that are domestic food supply rely on making them critical for United States food independence. She chose three plants that best represented Susquehanna County, the Sugar Maple, corn and blueberry. Sugar Maple is one of the most abundant trees in Susquehanna County which is a source of sap for maple producers. Iroquois and Anishinaabe people invented maple syrup long before the current tree tapping equipment. Rich in dairy farming, corn and corn meal are chief components of cattle rations providing the starch necessary to fuel milk production. Grown in companionship with squash and beans, maize also known as corn is the tallest member of the three sisters, a technique used by many. Blueberries which grow wild beneath the oak forest farms and on berry farms provide human and wildlife nutrition but are also the star of Susquehanna's annual Blueberry Festival.

All were invited to enjoy some warm beverages and treats inside the Historical Society and the museum was opened to all who would like a tour.

Dasher, Dancer, Prancer and Vixen will be very happy this Christmas. The Susquehanna business district is featuring decorations that will dazzle the reindeer and welcome their most important driver.

Local nonprofits Susquehanna Blossoms and the Susquehanna Community Development Association have spearheaded efforts to beautify the town with wreaths, lights, non-melting snowmen and statuesque reindeer. A giant Christmas tree composed of green lights has sprouted near the entrance to the Shops Plaza.

In the Franklin Avenue pocket park, a pergola has been transformed into a winter showplace that sports an evergreen rooftop from which Christmas bulbs descend. A park bench is strategically placed inside the pergola, beckoning the weary, perhaps even the driver noted above. The decorated pergola is a perfect place for families to take Christmas card photos.

Key volunteer contributors to the decoration project include Rose Hendrickson, Jo Anne and Steve Lawrenson, Mike Matis, Carol McNamara, Terry and Beth Tingley, and Joe White.

On December 5, 2025 Lanesboro Council members adopted the 2026 budget that was previously advertised. Council set their meeting dates for 2026 announcing the first meeting will be the reorganization directly to follow will be the regular monthly meeting to be held on January 6, 2026 at 7 0'clock. The 2026 meeting dates will be advertised as the second Tuesday of each month starting February 2026.

During the Public Comment section of the meeting Gary Benson spoke up. Mr. Benson stated he was the person in charge of the local Earned Income Tax (EIT) reporting for Susquehanna School District. He said 60 of the 125 people working in the school lived in Susquehanna. If Lanesboro was counting on money they would probably only see most of it in 2026 since Susquehanna would probably adopt an EIT Ordinance also. Mayor Chris Maby stated they needed the money for projects they would like to accomplish since each grant came with a local contribution requirement. Mayor Maby mentioned the Jail Hill Road sidewalk is a 1.5M dollar project and needs a local contribution which they would not be able to take from the budget. There are other projects requiring funds they could apply the EIT income to as well. No projects have been chosen since the funds aren't available yet.

Resident Kathy Miller wanted a follow up to her concern from last months' meeting since she collected 2 bags of garbage this week from the new building. Council President Dan Boughton stated he will purchase a large trash container for the site. There is only a small wastebasket at the site so trash is placed all over, which Ms. Miller picked up.

The Police Report was provided by Chief Jim Smith and included information on the contracted service in Thompson Borough. From the Lanesboro report 2 people were charged with vaping in school, 2 were charged with passing a school bus and a case is still open with a school fight. There was a total of 11 traffic stops, 4 citations were issued and 7 warnings given. There were 5 speeding violations, 1 equipment violation, 2 inspection violations, 1 suspended license violation, 1 stop sign violation and 1 careless driving violation in Lanesboro. In Thompson Borough there were 2 speeding violations, 1 equipment violation and 1 inspection violation. One traffic arrest and 3 traffic warnings. Chief Smith reported to Council he was still waiting to hear from Thompson Borough if they accepted the new charge for the service.

Secretary/Treasurer Erin Jenner was appointed as Liaison to Berkheimer. Adopted was a resolution for imposing and retaining cost of collection on delinquent taxes (EIT) with Berkheimer.

Residents said goodbye to Tom Nitterour since he did not run for another term. The election contained 2 write in votes; 1 person received 5 votes and another one received 1 vote. Council President Boughton informed me the person with the 5 votes declined and he did not receive an update from the courthouse for the person who received 1 vote. They are already down 1 member and if the person who received 1 vote does not accept the position, they will be down 2 council members going into 2026.